Rating: Summary: Great machine for what I expected Review: Many thanks to all who took the time to review this machine before me. They helped me make an informed purchase.
In brief: The speed is great. The UXGA screen is great! Battery life is lousy, but I knew that going in and don't need more than an hour at a time. I don't notice or mind the fan, comes on intermittently for a few seconds once in awhile.
It's a big change in many ways from the ultra-tiny Sharp Actius it's replacing, (faster, better screen, fast big drive, heavier), but a good value.
I haven't dealt with Toshiba tech support, and I hope I don't have to. Their web site seems very good for drivers and updates, and pretty bad for actual support, or discussion, or knowlege base type searching.
I'm happy with it after 4 weeks.
Rating: Summary: Make Your Desktop PC a Paperweight Review: Once again Toshiba has proven that they're the leader in the portable computing market. The 5105-S607 exceeded all of my expectations the minute I took the product out of the box. Start with the mobile P4 1.7GHz SpeedStep-enabled processor and a 400MHz front-side bus. This model is one of a very select few laptops available (at the time of writing) with this next-generation processor.As for memory, the system ships standard with 512 MB of PC2100 DDR RAM, enough to make Windows XP Home scream and your games come to life. The hard drive is impressive: 40GB at 5400 RPM. This feature alone is enough to turn your current desktop into a paperweight. For the techno-savvy, the 5105-S607 features a built-in DVD/CD-RW combination drive, perfect for burning CDs on the road. In addition, digital audio and video outputs allow the unit to connect to any television or home audio equipment for watching DVD movies and more. In addition, the unit is one of very few to feature an integrated IEEE-1394 DV connector for your digital video camera and built-in SmartMedia and SD card slots for quick downloading of digital photos. The unit also features Synaptic's new CPad pointing device... The touchpad features a small backlit LCD screen that allows you to use a calculator, capture signatures/small drawings, etc. Unfortunately this new touchpad failed on my first 5105-S607 but Toshiba was quick to offer a replacement. For the multimedia buff the system has yet another LCD display on the front allowing you to play, pause, stop, fast forward and rewind playing media. Disappointing, however, is that these hotkeys can only support certain applications: a severe limitation in the endless world of DVD and audio playback software. As for the screen: a 15" Ultra XGA (UXGA) LCD that is crisp, clear and bright. Coupled with the new NVidia GeForce 440 Go and 32MB of dedicated video RAM, the machine offers impressive 3D performance and resolution up to 1600x1200. Sound is provided by an onboard Yamaha AC-XG 16-bit sound card... enough to make most users happy. The Harman/Kardon speakers and a small subwoofer round off the package, making it ideal for listening to music, gaming and more. The 3D sound support is good, but too airy in certain situations. Included software is minimal: Windows XP Home Edition (what was Toshiba thinking?), Toshiba's entourage of management utilities, Toshiba DVD player and simplified CD-burning software. Toshiba's unique Software Updates feature automatically downloads new software when it becomes available--but then again, so does Windows Update. I've had two circumstances where Windows Update and Toshiba's utility would both select drivers, with one outdating the other. For a seasoned PC pro, this shouldn't be a problem. Now the cons: Weight... 7.8 pounds with battery. Enough to make the last minute airport terminal to terminal dash a hassle. But, with advanced power management features, the battery lasts about 1:45, which I consider poor for such a high-end machine. If you're flying, consider purchasing an in-flight charger adapter. My only additonal rant is Toshiba's abandoning legacy ports on this model. You'll find USB, monitor, IEEE-1394, audio, ethernet (Intel 10/100 Pro) and modem ports only. If you need to connect a PS/2 keyboard, mouse or a serial device, your out of luck. In addition, the two removable media drives only support SmartMedia and SD cards--no CompactFlash, which is by far the most popular. I was strongly disappointed by this, but can live with my external USB card reader. Overall, I'd recommend this machine to anyone looking for an ideal desktop replacement. The powerful processor, graphics, memory and the arsenal of connectivity options make this a perfect contender for that spot where you monitor now sits.
Rating: Summary: Too Expensive, there are better deals at Amazn Review: The battery life on this machine is disgusting. 1.67 hours? That is half the average life span of just about any other machine. However, by looking at the stats it is easy to see where all the power is going. The 1.7 GHz P4 processor is far from average. It also has only 32megs video card. Laptop gets very hot! And after a while it freezes sometimes. I made immediately exchange for Sony, which I am very happy now! No stability problems and no heat issues! Sony VAIO FXA53 Notebook (1.3 GHz Athlon XP1500) makes better deal, also battery life with Sony is up to 3hours. I recomad Sony VAIO FXA53 Notbeook from Amazon!! 5 stars!
Rating: Summary: Some people talk a load of Tosh Review: The severely negative offputting reviews of the Tosh 5105-607 are garbage. I have just bought a second machine (a used one from e bay) after having the first one for nearly two years. The multiple postings by the same person are grossly unfair and I suspect just sour grapes from some malcontent. I know several serious users who swear by this machine. Personally I am in high tech mechanical engineering and would not be without my Tosh. It gets hammered, travels all over the world, (it is a bit heavy - but then it is better than most PC's for performance and storage) I could have any make or madel Laptop I want, paid for by my company, but chose the Toshiba after extensive use of various other makes over the years. I used to upgrade to a new laptop every 6 months but you would have to prise this one from my dead fingers...! Others in the firm lower down the chain are angry with me because they used to get my cast offs but not this one, I am not parting with it.. Maybe I will when the new RW DVD's are proven and working faster than they do at the moment but otherwise I can see no reason to change from the 607. I cannot comment much on the official Toshiba backup except the one problem I had with a modem blowing up (I think the phone line got hit by lightning) was fixed by my local repair shop simply and efficiently. Toshiba spares department were so weary and slow (under the warranty) that I just bought the parts myself and had them fitted.Price of parts and fitting was very reasonable and I would not justify anyone sensible paying out for extended warranty from retailer. I love the fact that I dont need the backup from Toshiba cos the thing never goes wrong...! The machine flies, if it ever gets virused or crossed up, you just simply reset it to an earlier time and away you go again. Id give it 95% out of 100 for performance. So it runs a bit hot underneath,, I use it in UK and also in Florida and the heat never stopped it yet........ Try a cold drink when using it Cheers...!
Rating: Summary: Computer a star...Tech Suport non existent Review: The Toshiba is handsome and speedy and the cPad, mouse pad is nifty and practical. The fact that the machine lacks both parallel and serial ports came as a bit of a shock as there was no way to connect my tape backup to transfer my files, but once past that, on all counts, the machine is a winner...which is lucky, as Toshiba Tech Support is non existent. After an initial call when I got a pilot-voiced Texan who was a Cracker Jack and new his stuff inside out, I thought that configuring the machine would be a breeze. I am quite experienced and have configured dozens of machines both desk top and lap top, though I had never used Windows XP. However after that initial call I only got one or two people who spoke intelligible English, and when they did, it was only to make it clear that they would not help me. Though my Spanish is fluent, my technical vocabulary is about as limited as their technical abilities....The only phrase that they kept repeating made no sense... "Breakfast!" To the point where I thought I had a permanent crossed line with a Latino diner in Encino. It was finally made clear to me that what they were saying was Break/Fix...meaning that is all they do if broken they fix... "No How To!" Anything beyond a broken computer is considered configuring or teaching and is referred to a priority support line for $36 per call. I have never heard of a computer company not supporting the operating system that they sell you with the computer. Certainly Compaq's Tech Support people were not only courteous, helpful and knew their stuff, but they also spoke English. When I called Toshiba to ask how to extract the windows XP backup software off the windows cd I was told that it is not included on the Toshiba OEM version and that I could go out and buy the retail version of Windows XP. When I asked if doing that would void my warranty I was told that as long as I removed the retail version from my system and restored the Toshiba version they would help me with hardware problems. And when I had a genuine hardware problem where the modem didn't function, they were incapable of helping and an AOL Super Gal at heir tech support center in Bombay India came to the rescue Bottom Line...I love the computer, but Toshiba tech support or the lack of it has given me an ulcer. Unless you are a very experienced user and know Windows XP, this is not the machine for you.
Rating: Summary: Photo Buddy Review: There is no way to compare the two systems since the Toshiba is in a totally different class of systems. The features of the Toshiba blow away the Sony. I don't think anyone could argue with that. The only thing that the Sony has on it is the battery life. You should just shutup and not offer your worthless opinions anymore. Thank you!
Rating: Summary: To the guy that compared the Sony VAIO FXA53 to the Toshiba Review: There is no way to compare the two systems since the Toshiba is in a totally different class of systems. The features of the Toshiba blow away the Sony. I don't think anyone could argue with that. The only thing that the Sony has on it is the battery life. You should just shutup and not offer your worthless opinions anymore. Thank you!
Rating: Summary: Highly recommended Review: This is a great laptop. I've had no problems with it and it's SO FAST! Battery life is a only 1.5 hours, but this is not designed as an ultra-portable. It does everything I need (I develop high-end graphics systems). I'll never buy a desktop PC again.
Rating: Summary: The best and true desktop replacement ever!! Review: This is the best laptop ever. This laptop is for replaceing your desktop, so the price is a little deep. Toshiba puts all the best hardware in this laptop. Pro: CPU: The new P4 1.7GHz. Not just it is faster than PIII, it also has 512KB L2 cache (fast memory) with Intel SpeedStep Tech to save ur battery's life. 400hz front size bus, faster than most of the desktop. (eg AMD's 1800XP has only 266hz front size bus) Memory: Oh my god. It has 512MB DDR Ram (PC2100), compare to normal SDRAM. This is so much much faster. Performance almost double. Harddrive: 40GB hard drive, and IT IS 5400RPM!!! Compare to normal 4200RPM, it is a 20% faster. DVD/CDRW: A must... GRAPHIC CARD: WOW ! NVIDIA Geforce 4 440 Go with 32 DDR ram. Geforce 4 just came out a month a ago for desktop. Even the Go version is a water down version of desktop, it still provides a good frame rate to make hardcore gamer happy. Sound card: Only a 16 bit sound card, but it comes with S/P DIF optical output, which you can record music to your Mini Disc player or hook up to some nice speaker. Speakers: Harman/Kardon (w/sub woofer) speakers are great, i played some classical music on it and i can actually hear the 3D sound coming from left and right. Great for gamer too, you can hear where the bullet coming from. Screen : 15" UXGA, very bright screen. A lot of extra features you can't get on desktop: Smart media drive/SD drive for your digital camera pic downloa. A small LCD in front with Play/FF/Rew button, so you can close your laptop ,still play music and knowing what song is it playing. New touch pad (C-pad), a great idea. IEE394, USB port. Con: Weight: with battery, it is almost 7.8lb. Style: It looks like a toy, too colorful. Short battery life: around 1hr and 10 mins. SOftware: Not very useful software package.
Rating: Summary: Photo Buddy Review: This Laptop has a bright, sharp definition screen. Running Windows XP it is user friendly and fast. One slightly downside note is that the touchpad is very sensitive and will initiate a function before before I want it to. It happens when you leave the arrow on an icon a couple seconds too long. The photo media card reader is a godsend in that it is fast. Processing digital photos is a breeze.
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